ANDY MURRAY admitted to being stressed out after the ankle injury he suffered at the French Open left him in a Catch-22 situation about whether to play at the AEGON Championships.

The British number one kicked off his Wimbledon preparations with a 6-3 5-7 6-3 victory over Xavier Malisse at Queen’s Club yesterday, even though part of him did not want to be out on centre court.

Murray damaged ligaments and partially tore a tendon in his right ankle – and in an ideal world he would be resting and treating it this week. But Wimbledon starts in less than a fortnight and Murray also needs time on grass in order to adapt properly from the clay surface at Roland Garros.

“It’s been quite a stressful few days to decide because I was desperate to play here but also didn’t want to end up messing up for Wimbledon,” said Murray. “It’s a tough one. The situation we’re in is you have very little time between now and Wimbledon, and you want to play matches on this surface.

“I want to play here, play as many matches as possible but I also want to go into Wimbledon pain-free.

“Playing on it is not exactly the best course of action to get an ankle better. I’m here trying to play as many matches as possible.”